THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


GOLDEN   LARK 


GOLDEN    LARK 


BY 

FLORENCE    RICHMOND 


NEW  YORK 

ROGER   BROTHERS,  PUBLISHERS 
1911 


LONDON :    L.    N.    FOWLER    &   CO. 


COPYRIGHT,  1911,  BY 
ROGER     BROTHERS 


THE  TROW  PRESS,  NEW  YORK 


rs 


J^eMcatfon 

TO   THE   ANGEL   OF  LOVE 

"  Entreat  me  not  to  leave  thee, 
Or  to  return  from  following  after  thee : 
For  whither  thou  goest,  I  will  go ; 
And  where  thou  lodgest,  I  will  lodge : 
Thy  people  shall  be  my  people, 
And  thy  God  my  God : 
Where  thou  diest,  will  I  die, 
And  there  will  I  be  buried : 
The  Lord  do  so  to  me,  and  more  also, 
If  aught  but  death  part  thee  and  me." 

—BOOK   OF   RUTH. 


626171 


LIST    OF    CONTENTS 

PORTRAIT  FRONTISPIECE  .      .      .    FLORENCE  RICHMOND 

TABLEAU   I  PAGE 

THE  HEART'S  DESIRE       . 17 

TABLEAU   II 
THE  HEART  OF  THE  ROSE 31 

TABLEAU   III 
SPIRIT  OF  THE  SEA .45 

TABLEAU   IV 
GOD'S  WAYS  ARE  BEST •      •     55 

TABLEAU   V 
SPIRITS  OF  PROPHECY  .     .      .      .      .      ,      ••      •      •     69 

TABLEAU   VI 
CHILDREN  OF  THE  STARS  .       .      .      .      .      .       .       •     79 

TABLEAU   VII 
REALIZATION 91 


DRAMATIS    PERSONS 

GOLDEN  LARK   ....   Victory  of  Life  over  Death 
BAAL  JOHN  ....       Symbol  of  Generative  Power 

ASHTORETH Complement  of  Baal  John 

ELFIN  SYLPH Intermediate  Spirit 

MASTER  SPIRIT A  Triumphant  Soul 

OTHER  SPIRITS  .      •      .      .      .      .      Loving  Attendants 


IT  is  my  privilege  to  give  to  the  world  a 
symphony  of  reincarnation.  For  those  not 
yet  ripe  for  a  work  so  strange,  the  production 
may  be  regarded  as  a  dream-poem — that 
first  insight  into  the  mysterious  realm  of 
immortality. 

t.The  simplicity  of  the  characters  portray 
the  delicate  and  psychological  unfolding  of 
their  lives.  All  have  their  places  and  their 
potent  meanings;  yea,  infinitely  more  than 
a  dream  phantasy,  however  beautiful. 

Golden  Lark  symbolizes  the  victory  of  Life 
over  Death.  She,  having  reached  the  truth 
supreme,  returns  to  earth  loves  and  ties.  Her 
pure  ideals  of  joy,  of  love,  of  light  are  again 
interpreted  at  the  sanctuary  of  Love. 


IT 


PROLOGUE 


Baal  John  symbolizes  the  god  of  generative 
power.  He  has  been  worshiped,  also,  as  a 
sun-god  with  a  crown  of  rays. 

Ashtoreth,  the  complement  of  Baal  John, 
is  sometimes  represented  under  the  sign  of 
the  crescent.  In  this  symphony  of  reincar 
nation,  she  stands  for  the  highest  type  of 
mortal  woman;  yet,  withal,  ever  ready  to 
pierce  the  veil  of  mystic  radiance. 

Elfin  Sylph,  according  to  the  Greek,  was 
a  spirit  of  the  air.  Paracelsus  represents  the 
sylph  as  holding  an  intermediate  place  be 
tween  the  material  and  the  immaterial  beings. 

The  Spirits  are  triumphant  souls.  They 
hover  near  with  insistent,  loving  command. 

THE  AUTHOR. 


GOLDEN   LARK 


THE    HEART'S    DESIRE 
TABLEAU    ONE 

A  music  room.  Through  an  open  window  the 
sinking  sun  Jills  the  room  with  rays  of  light. 
GOLDEN  LARK,  leaning  against  the  casement^ 
is  absorbed  in  the  beauty  of  the  sunset.  BAAL 
JOHN  enters  and  after  a  moment V  hesitation 
speaks  reproachfully  to  GOLDEN  LARK.  A 
MASTER  SPIRIT,  unseen ,  hovers  near. 

BAAL  JOHN 

<Thou  art  a  strange,  a  most  strange  girl 
To  baffle  thus  my  heart's  desire. 
Thy  dreams  on  crimson  wings  of  fire 
Leap  like  flame  the  glittering  swirl 
That  bathes  the  white  cathedral  spire. 

My  pretty  one,  how  earnest  thou 

To  follow  fairy  visions  far? 

See,  see,  my  winsome  bird,  the  star 

Of  eve  shines  fair  upon  the  brow 

Of  heav'n.      There  no  perplexings  mar. 

17 


GOLDEN    LARK 


MASTER  SPIRIT  (Speaks  chidingly  to  BAAL  JOHN.) 

Unhappy  one!      The  Fates  foretell 
Thee  bare  of  reason.      Be  not  blind 
To  power  of  spirit  unconfined, 
And  thou  shalt  stand  unwearied,  well 
Equipped  against  rebellious  mind. 

What  honors  seekest  thou  as  man 
Grown  hopeless  in  thine  own  deep  gloom? 
Thou  must  progress,  but  not  presume! 
Go,  then,  and  break  the  dismal  ban, 
Ere  angered  gods  thy  strength  consume. 

BAA*L  JOHN  listens  to  the   voice,  then  appeals 
to  GOLDEN  LARK. 


BAAL  JOHN 

O  pause  upon  thy  word  this  night. 
Let  not  the  spirits  of  far  worlds 
Behold  our  bitter-sweet  in  whirls 
Of  shattered  dream.      Beloved,  in  flight, 
We,  two,  shall  find  Life's  purest  pearls. 

19 


GOLDEN    LARK 


GOLDEN   LARK 

Like  dust  of  lilies  at  our  feet. 

This  garment  of  my  soul  doth  fade. 

Upon  my  brow  an  angel  laid 

His  time  of  coming.      Do  not  weep — 

The  morn  illumes  night's  heavy  shade. 

To  learn  the  theme  of  Life's  great  song 
Thou  must  ignore  all  doubts,  all  fears. 
Indeed,  with  what  is  pure  and  strong 
Thou  must  exalt  thy  soul,  though  long 
Companioned  with  revengeful  years. 

t.It  is  God's  way  that  I  must  go. 
With  joy  I  wait  His  urgent  call; 
And  as  this  rose  I  here  let  fall, 
I  stand  within  the  central  glow —  . 
That  Christ,  His  Son,  gave  all  for  all! 

BAAL   JOHN 

Thy  voice,  like  music,  magnifies 
The  thought  of  God  upon  my  brain; 
Like  tempest  wild  is  my  complain 

21 


GOLDEN    LARK 


Without  thee,  Love.     My  whole  world  lies 
In  stifling  darkness.      All  is  vain ! 

How  shall  I  'scape  the  fires  that  flare 
Upon  thy  brow,  thy  luring  eyes? 
A  swallow  swiftly  wings  the  skies, 
And  strikes  the  clouds  with  dauntless  dare, 
To  hark  the  lute  of  Paradise. 

If  I  were  like  the  gallant  bird 
I  would  not  dream  of  yesterday; 
I  would  not  yield  unto  the  lay 
That  sounds  a  dirge  in  broken  word, 
v.But  sing,  and  bear  me  far  away. 

GOLDEN   LARK 

Hush,  hush,  dear  heart,  thy  common  grief 
Is  but  the  shadow  of  earth's  gloom. 
Plan  well  to  pluck  Life's  fairest  bloom, 
Though  far  from  thee,  on  highest  reef — 
Past   doubt,   past   death,   past   crumbling 
tomb! 

(She  falls  upon  a  couch.      Attendants  enter. 

23 


GOLDEN    LARK 


The  hour  is  come!      I  pass  the  dark  — 
An  angel  quickens  his  soft  pace. 
O  let  me  look  upon  thy  face, 
And  call  me  once  again  thy  Lark, 
Here  in  this  dear  familiar  place. 


BAAL   JOHN  (Kneels  beside 

Must  I  then  stretch  my  hands  to  thee 
Beyond  the  realms  of  Eden's  goal?     .' 
Shalt  fail  me  now  thy  seraph-soul, 
Unheeding  all  the  majesty 
Revealed  within  Life's  wonder-bowl! 

\* 

GOLDEN   LARK 

O  grieve  not  so  with  sobbing  breath! 

If  haply  I  should  pass  again 

The  paths  of  earth,  the  joys  of  men- 


i  j  j 

Then  thou  shalt  know  there  is  no  death 

Beyond  the  border  of  earth's  ken. 

The  peaceful  blues  enfold  each  star; 
Night's  measure  runneth  o'er  and  well 
His  cup.      Earth-days  no  man  can  tell. 


GOLDEN    LARK 


God  swings  a  light  across  the  bar  — 
Peace,  peace,  dear  love  —  Farewell  !     Fare 
well  !    (GOLDEN  LARK  passes  -from  earth?} 


MASTER   SPIRIT  (Still  in 

Now  panic  of  the  darksome  day 
Yields  burning  tears  upon  his  cheek. 
Still  on  his  eyes  and  brain  must  seek 
The  secret  paths  of  unknown  way, 
E'en  though  they  lead   through  shadows 
bleak. 

B'AAL  JOHN  (Picks  up  the  rose^\ 

This  rose,  this  fading  rose,  her  gift! 
It,  too,  did  once  impel  and  thrill 
The  hov'ring  bird  to  song  and  trill. 
But  now  it  seeks  the  winds  that  drift 
By  shaded  stream,  so  cool,  so  still. 

But  ere  it  goes  I  kiss  the  dust, 
At  birth  the  queen  of  ev'ry  flower 
In  blush  of  field  or  in  the  bower. 


GOLDEN    LARK 


Perchance,  'twill  fall  where  caskets  rust. 
And  crown  once  more  Love's  matchless 
hour. 

(BAAL  JOHN  kisses  the  hand  ^GOLDEN  LARK.] 

One  kiss  for  love,  one  kiss  for  woe. 
Upon  thy  chill,  thy  snow-white  hand: 
Dear-one,  thou  didst  not  understand 
The  bitterness  my  heart  must  know 
'Mid  shadows  of  this  darkened  land. 

I  gave  my  all  of  Love  to  thee 

In  loyal  troth.      But  since  thou  crossed 

That  river  wrapt  in  icy  frost, 

I  know  the  mighty  tragedy. 

Beloved !      My  heart's  whole  world  is  lost ! 

Scene  fades  into  a  purple  light  which  grad 
ually  changes  into  darkness. 


HEART    OF    THE    ROSE 

TABLEAU  Two 

Scene:   A  garden.     A  fountain  playing  in  the 
background.      BAAL  JOHN  relentlessly  destroys 

a  rose. 

\ 

BAAL  JOHN 

0  sweetest  flower  ere  seen. 

What  is  this  task  that  she  requires  of  me? 
What  is  the  quest  that  shapes  my  destiny? 
How  can  I  wisdom  glean? 

Thou  must  now  aid  my  cause. 

So  read  upon  my  face  thy  tragic  end, 

Thou  bruised  sweet,  while  none  shall  thee 

defend, 
Nor  bid  my  hand  to  pause. 

The  whiles  we  are  fast  friends 

1  look  into  thy  face  defyingly, 

With  sudden,  wild  desire  approaching  me 
Of  master-sense,  that  lends — 

31 


GOLDEN    LARK 


Excuse  of  strong  pretext 
To  ope  the  golden  urn  that  holds  thy  heart. 
And  fond  possession  take  thereof  a  part. 
Although  thy  soul  I  vexed. 

I  stand,  with  ruthless  hands, 
Before  thy  loveliness  of  such  rare  grace 
That  God  Himself  gives  smile  upon  thy  face. 
And  harks  thy  soft  commands. 

But  know  thy  heart  I  must, 
Producing  what  will  dull  the  very  light, 
So  strangely-strange  will  be  the  awful  sight 
Of  bleeding  leaves  in  dust. 

What's  in  thy  heart  of  flame? 

Why    burns    and   flays    this    seething-hot 

desire? 

Why  all  these  vampire-clamorings,  so  dire, 
Of  unappeased  shame? 

Like  some  tormented  dream, 
Anew  with  agonies  of  too  full  life 
Concentered  on  the  picture,  tears  are  rife 
For  what  may  to  thee  seem — 

33 


GOLDEN    LARK 


Abhorred  ingratitude. 

At  all  times  Love  would  stand  my  counselor. 

And    therefore    spare   what    angels   most 

adore — 

^ 

Thy  heart's  sweet  solitude. 

Yet  from  that  voice  I  turn 
To  blight  the  power  of  thy  disputeless  spell, 
And  drag  thee  from   thy  Paradise  to  Hell 
Though  shame  must  ever  burn — 

Its  fire  upon  my  brow. 
.The  human  soul,  in  labyrinths  of  Love, 
Lets  fall  kind  pity  on  the  wounded  dove — 

Ilt  falls  not  on  thee  now. 
But  ere  I  finely  mar 

Each  fibred  vein,  inwrought  with  match 
less  art, 

I'll  hold  thee  close  unto  my  panting  heart, 
Then  straightway  send  afar — 

Thy  soul  to  whence  it  came. 

From  out  the  fragrant  tears  upon  thy  cheek, 

35 


GOLDEN    LARK 


Perchance  some  tender  balm  will  through 

me  seek 
To  soothe  a  wildest  aim. 

MASTER   SPIRIT  (Standing  in  shadow^ 
How  vain  the  ecstasy 
That  strips  the  altar-lights  of  mystic  life. 
The  sacramental  bowl  for  sin  and  strife, 
Was  drunk  in  agony. 

ASHTORETH  enters  and  glances  from  BAAL  J  OHN 
to  the  destroyed  rose.     .  She  speaks  tenderly. 

ASHTORETH 

What  shadow  falls,  dear  love? 
Hast  set  all  hope  upon  a  sombre  grief, 
Like  spirit  lost  upon  a  jutted  reef, 
Where  sighs  the  dying  dove  ? 

Or  grievest  thou  for  song 
Adrift  in  province  of  a  starless  night? 
No  glory  is  forgotten  of  God's  light 
Through  all  the  ages  long. 

37 


GOLDEN    LARK 


Retread  thy  steps  again 
To  lofty  heights,  where  Life  is  full  and  free; 
'Tis  there  the  gods  will  greet  the  god  in  thee, 
And  still  thy  heart's  keen  pain. 

BAAL  JOHN 

My  Ashtoreth,  my  friend! 
Half  startled  at  thy  coming  and  thy  voice, 
Chagrined  I  blush,  but  shall  anon  rejoice 
That  senseless  grief  must  end. 

Yet  saddest  thought  of  her, 

So  lately  gone  upon  the  fluttered  wind, 

Splits  wide  the  root  of  this  once  flow'ring 

mind, 
And  leaves  a  fatal  blur. 

ASHTORETH 

Then  speak  of  her,  dear  John; 
Do  let  me  fill  a  friend's  most  holy  place. 
True  sympathy  was  born  of  that  white  grace 
When  Christ,  His  mission  won. 

BAAL  JOHN   takes  a  portrait  from  his  pocket 
and  speaks  earnestly. 

39 


GOLDEN    LARK 


BAAL  JOHN 

Her  portrait!      Could  it  speak 

What   words  would   bless   or  grieve   her 

silent  lips? 

The  bud  entwined  within  her  hair  e'en  slips 
Its  fragrance  on  her  cheek. 

How  radiant  her  face! 
It  takes  me  back  unto  a  living  dream 
Of  ecstasy.      Expectant  in  the  gleam 
My  soul  waits  pard'ning  grace. 

Grace  need  I.      Angels  see. 

The  passion  of  my  heart  is  lost  in  shame. 

Love  strong  as  death  no  right  have  I  to 

claim 
Like  priest  of  deity. 

ASHTORETH 

The  birdlings  of  the  past 
Lie  dead  upon  the  bosom  of  Life's  urn. 
All  pleasures  fled  are  memories  that  turn 
To  dust;   and  yet — they  last. 

41 


GOLDEN    LARK 


No  cry,  no  grief,  no  fret 
Can  ere  recall  the  chords  of  music  spent; 
The  echoed  tones  of  melody  are  sent 
To  lull  each  deep  regret. 

Then  search  the  verdant  sods. 

For  living  radiance  within  thy  reach. 

O  scorn  the  treach'rous  sands,  I  do  beseech, 

Of  stealthy,  tricking  gods ! 

Come,  put  thy  grief  away, 

Forgetting  all,  but  magic  of  thy  youth ! 

Awake  thy  soul!      Upturn  thine   ear   to 

truth, 
This  song-enchanted  day ! 

BAAL  JOHN 

For  thy  dear  sake,  loved  one, 

I'll  walk  with  thee  where  sorrow  murmurs 

not. 
The  wines  of  rushing  strength,  so  long 

forgot, 
I'll  drink  till  day  is  done ! 

Curtain. 

43 


SPIRIT    OF    THE   SEA 

TABLEAU  THREE 

BAAL  JOHN  stands  on  an  elevation  overlooking 
the  sea.  He  listens  to  the  music  of  the  waves, 
then  speaks  as  if  entranced. 

BAAL  JOHN 

Is  this  a  dream  ?      Behold,  the  sky 
Now  seems  to  melt  in  sapphired  seas! 
Atop  a  cliff  that  cuts  the  breeze 
I  stand;  and  far  below  me  lie 
The  shining  gems  of  royal  coronet — 
The  night-fall  sun  and  shadow  met. 
Thick  undertints,  in  heaving  folds, 
Glide  through  the  webs  of  tangled  weeds, 
And  swaying  threads  of  scarlet  reeds 
That  blend  with  crimsons,  blues  and  golds. 

As  I  upgaze  the  starling  brood 
Red-tinge  the  drifts  of  billow'd  snow, 
And  silently  the  moon  rides  low 
Across  the  world  unveiled  of  snood. 

45 


GOLDEN    LARK 


I  hear  a  song,  like  unbound  stream. 
That  fills  my  heart  with  tender  dream. 
And  with  the  song  a  distant  bell 
Upon  the  air  is  clearly  heard. 
The  passion  of  my  soul  is  stirred — 
Some  wondrous  joy  the  peals  foretell!. 

(Sings  reminiscent /y.) 

Were  I  a  bird  on  broken  wing, 

In  dust  at  thy  white  feet, 

With  never  more  the  heart  to  sing 

When  flowers  were  fair  in  scented  spring 

Wouldst  thou  then  love  me,  sweet? 

Or  wouldst  thou  let  the  weary  pain 
Grow  leaden  in  the  night, 
And  like  the  misty  shapes  in  rain 
Flee  shuddering  across  the  plain 
With  birds  of  stronger  flight — 

Were  I  a  bird? 

(He  begins  to  recognize  the  truth  of  invisible  life.} 

47 


GOLDEN    LARK 


Prophetic  voices  sing  to  me, 
They  stay  the  tempest  of  my  cry! 
Oh,  joy!      The  anthem  of  the  sky 
Vibrates  celestial  harmony, 
As  through  the  gates  of  pearly  light 
The  sea's  white  soul  makes  swiftest  flight 
To  mine;   for  we  are  kindred  things 
To  all  that  is.      A  new  life-breath 
Takes  shape,  and   scorns  what  fools  call 

death — 
In  chain  of  endless  blossomings. 

(He  listens  in  ecstasy  to  the  passing  song?) 


CHORUS  OF  SPIRITS 

The  furies  of  the  restless  deep  make  mad, 
Wild  holiday  upon  the  bare 
Green-breasted  waves.      Beyond  compare 
His  mighty  heart  is  thrilled,  is  glad. 
For  here  beneath  the  sylvan  gauze, 
Not  one  conflicting  wind  makes  pause 
As  from  the  glitt'ring  worlds  above, 

49 


GOLDEN    LARK 


On  pinions  fleet,  in  mystic  form. 
Joy  comes  with  hand  so  soft,  so  warm 
He  thinks  it  is  a  phantom  dove. 

MASTER  SPIRIT 

At  last  she  penetrates  his  eyes, 
Unmasked  of  her  once  icy  snows. 
The  gods,  in  rapture,  scatter  glows 
From  bursting  suns  across  the  skies. 
The  while  her  love  is  centered  there 
God's  song  is  echoed  everywhere! 
She  comes  to  him  in  mystery, 
Yet  bids  him  know  God's  words  are  true. 
She  sings,  she  wings  the  dazzling  blue — 
Eternal  spirit  of  the  sea! 

CHORUS  OF  SPIRITS 

Observe  what  precious  thing  is  life 
With  mortal  mate  as  fair  as  morn ! 
Fotget  this  mystic  hour;   and  scorn 
Remembrances  of  human  strife! 
The  sea's  white  soul,  'mid  scenes  so  dear, 
Soon  flies  away — far,  far  from  here. 

51 


GOLDEN    LARK 


Elysium  awaiteth  thee! 
Go !      Couch  among  Love's  fairest  flowers; 
The  gods  will  bless  thy  slumber  hours, 
E'en  though  their  forms  ye  cannot  see. 
The  morn  comes  riding  on  the  sun — 
The  stars  are  fading  one  by  one. 
Upon  the  winged  air  we'll  shine — 
With  moon  caressings  of  the  night, 
But,  swifter  than  a  thought  takes  flight, 
We'll  come  again  to  thee — and  thine. 

BAAL  JOHN  hears  again  the  call  of  the  bell  and 
turns  from  the  vision  of  the  clijf. 


BAAL  JOHN 

Again  I  hear  that  silv'ry  bell! 
Alas,  I  cannot  tarry  more. 
Sweet  soul,  thou  must  forever  soar 
With  starry  spirits — Fare  thee  well! 


53 


GOD'S    WAYS   ARE    BEST 
TABLEAU  FOUR 

Time:  Morning.  ASHTORETH  is  seated  in  an 
arm  chair ,  sewing.  An  open  book  is  lying  on 
the  table  beside  her.  BAAL  JOHN  enters  with 
a  cheery  salutation. 

ASHTORETH 

A  fairest  greeting  to  thee,  friend! 

BAAL  JOHN 

Thou  hast  my  thanks,  sweet  soul  of  balm ! 
What  book  is  here  ?     The  gods  thee  lend 
The  tender  words  of  blissful  calm. 
Hast  patience  then,  my  words  to  hear? 

ASHTORETH 

Say  on,  and  I  will  give  thee  heed. 

BAAL  JOHN 

Thy  sympathy  I  hold  most  dear; 
So  free  from  guile,  so  true  in  need. 

55 


GOLDEN    LARK 


ASHTORETH 

Speak,   speak.       Why   dwellest    thou   on 

words  ? 
If  ever  I've  been  help  to  thee — 

BAAL  JOHN 

Thy  voice  is  like  the  song  of  birds — 

ASHTORETH 

Hush,  hush  thy  foolish  ecstasy. 

I  push  the  curtain  back — there  flies 

A  swallow.      Canst  describe  his  wing, 

His  furtive  eye,  his  tiny  sighs  ? 

Ah,  tell  me  now,  this  simple  thing! 

And  tell  me  why  away  so  long? 

What  wicked  witch  held  thee  in  awe? 

Nay,  keep  thy  secret,  if  'tis  wrong 

That  I  it  share.      No  slightest  flaw 

Shall  blind  my  faith  in  thee.      Thy  need  ? 

I  thirst  to  aid  its  every  cause; 

And  if  I  fail  why — then,  indeed, 

I  shall  with  shame  before  thee  pause. 

Yet  thou  art  cruel  to  a  friend. 

57 


GOLDEN    LARK 


My  love  doth  strain  its  willing  sense 
In  honest  truce  to  thee  defend; 
Till  vexed  at  mine  own  innocence — 
I  chide  the  fault  that  holds  in  thrall 
My  peace.      No  more  the  sorry  thought, 
'Twas  much;   but  now  I  hear  thy  call — 
I  loving  give  all  thou  hast  sought. 

BAAL  JOHN 

Alas,  dear  one!      Thou  art  too  sweet 
To  tease  thy  life  with  such  as  I. 
Away  from  thee  my  wandering  feet 
Sped  on.      Pursued  by  awful  cry 
I  writhed  upon  the  ocean's  edge, 
And  begged  some  power  to  pity  me. 
A  phantom  leaned  against  a  ledge; 
His  burning  eyes  peered  leeringly 
Into  my  anguish-pallid  face. 
"Hence!  spirit  of  cloud,  hence!"  I  cried: 
"The  imps  of  hell  thy  shadows  trace." 
The  demon  laughed.      I  was  defied. 
Struck  to  the  heart  by  spectral  fright, 

59 


GOLDEN    LARK 


My  voice  outburst  in  pleading  cry 

For   dreamless   sleep.      The    moon    hung 

white — 
We  were  so  tired — my  heart  and  I. 

ASHTORETH 

The  chilling  trend  of  thy  strange  lot. 
Lies  thickly  strewn  with  human  fears. 
Life's  sweetest  purpose  seems  forgot. 
And  comfortless  thy  precious  years. 

BAAL  JOHN 

God  help  me  now  I      Why  do  I  thrill 
With  thoughts  of  her  ?     And  by  what  path 
Shall  come  to  me  the  fullest  will 
Of  Golden  Lark — Love's  aftermath? 

ASHTORETH 

Thou'lt  never  win  the  treasure-heights, 
Thus  list'ning  echoes  of  the  past. 
And  be  thou  sure  thy  witless  flights 
Shall  wreck  at  last  upon  the  blast. 

61 


GOLDEN    LARK 


BAAL  JOHN 

Here  all  is  beautiful!      Yet  thou 
Canst  not  release  me  from  my  pain 
With  gentle  words.      I  shall,  I  vow — 
Nay,  do  not  fear  my  wild  complain — 
Life's  secret  find.    Where?    None  can  tell. 
Then  fleet  as  fawn,  I  shall  explore 
The  wonders  of  each  hidden  cell, 
Though  base  or  fair  the  covet-store. 


ASHTORETH 

Whilst  giving  chase  to  thy  vain  dream, 
I'll  let  thee  ponder  here  alone. 
I  love  the  boughs,  the  stirring  stream; 
I'm  weary  of  thy  senseless  moan. 

Exit  ASHTORETH. 

BAAL  JOHN 

She's  gone  to  tread  the  sweet  wood-grass 
In  thickets  hid.      She  cannot  hear 
My  sad  despairing  cry.      Alas, 
Too  fearful  in  this  hour  so  drear. 

63 


GOLDEN    LARK 


Life's  countless  pains  like  thistles  grow. 
And  thrive  as  do  all  things  of  strife; 
Yet  I  must  grope  until  I  know 
The  purpose  of  this  little  life. 
Like  palest  star  the  light  begins — 
The  current  of  a  sun  grown  dim; 
It  searches  through  the  mocking  dins 
Of  mortal  faiths,  too  fair,  too  grim. 

ASHTORETH  (Returns   with  her  arms  full  of 
roses?} 

Thy  speech  is  strange.      I  know  it  not! 
What  matter?      Here  are  joys  for  thee. 
These  lusty  loves  care  not  a  jot 
How  mortals  live  or  die.      Oh,  see — 
These  buds  of  Spring  had  birth  this  morn. 
Alas!      What  tyrant  plagues  thee  so? 
Hark  to  the  voice  of  the  elfin  horn — 
'Tis  calling  us — intent  and  low. 

BAAL  JOHN 

Sweet  Ashtoreth,  no  more  I'll  pine — 
Lead  thou  me  on,  then  will  I  go. 

65 


GOLDEN    LARK 


ASHTORETH 

The    gods   will    teach    thee   speech — not 

mine — 
Aye,  by  the  rose — bliss  shalt  thou  know ! 

As  BAAL  JOHN  and  ASHTORETH  pass  out  hand 
in  hand,  a  dazzling  light  follows  them. 


ATTENDANT  SPIRITS 

Joy  opens  wide  the  gates  of  Spring; 
The  breath  of  Love  now  fills  each  breast. 
There  is  no  death  within  Life's  ring — 
Know,  mortals,  all — God's  ways  are  best! 

The  scene  faaes  in  silvery  mist. 


67 


SPIRITS   OF    PROPHECY 
TABLEAU  FIVE 

From  an  eminence  the  spirits  are  seen.      In  the 

foreground  the  MASTER  SPIRIT  is  reclining^  half 

absorbed  in   the  beauty  of  a  rippling  stream 

flowing  at  his  feet.      BAAL  JOHN   standing  in 

the  background^   hears    in    amazement   their 

words  of  prophecy. 

MASTER  SPIRIT 

The  hour  is  come !      'Tis  meet  to  tell 
These  mortals  all  their  sacred  right. 
Too  oft  they've  wept  in  dark  of  night, 
Unconscious  of  the  holy  spell 
That  glorifies  the  bridal  light. 

Then  let  us  warn  the  imps  of  dread 
To  take  them  back  to  Shades  of  Hate. 
Our  charmed  word  does  now  relate 
How  Joy,  on  feet  of  noiseless  tread, 
Strides  close  unto  triumphant  Fate. 

69 


GOLDEN    LARK 


A  glory  child  awaits  Love's  call 
To  fly  to  eartK  like  bird  in  May. 
This  Golden  Lark  of  yesterday 
Now  bids  the  angels  break  her  thrall. 
And  speed  her  back  the  wondrous  way. 

ATTENDANT  SPIRITS 

O !  Master  Spirit,  hintest  thou 
A  witching  hour  of  birth  is  nigh? 
When  shall  we  hear  the  birdling  cry. 
That  sealing  kiss  of  marriage  vow 
On  gentle  breast — Love's  lullaby. 

MASTER  SPIRIT  (  Gives  promise  of  reincarnation^ 
To  this  fair  world,  she  deemed  as  lost, 
Sweet  Golden  Lark  will  come  again. 
She  longs  to  dwell  with  mortal  ken, 
For  scented  June,  for  winter's  frost, 
And  all  the  quick'ning  thoughts  of  men. 

MASTER  SPIRIT  AND  ATTENDANTS 
To  earthly  life  she  will  return 
A  little  child  again  to  be. 

71 


GOLDEN    LARK 


So  let  us  sing  our  symphony. 

The  fitting  vows  that  thrill  and  burn 

Upon  the  brow  of  Destiny. 

The  spirits  slowly  disappear. 

BAAL  JOHN  (Responding  to  'vanishing  spirits?) 

Beloved  Master!      Spirits  dear! 
I  am  become  a  tranced  thing! 
My  tears  are  joyful  as  they  spring, 
For  through  the  vistas,  strangely  clear, 
Fair  Golden  Lark  is  beckoning- 

Enter  ASHTORETH.      She  places  her  hand  on 
JOHN'S  shoulder  and  speaks  to  him  appealingly* 

ASHTORETH 

O,  ease  thy  troubled  breast, 
These  sobs,  this  vain  unrest, 

And  dry  thy  tears. 

Obey  Life's  righteous  laws, 
Then  thou  shalt  have  no  cause 
For  tyrant  fears. 

73 


GOLDEN    LARK 


Like  winds  the  years  will  pass, 
And  hearts  will  change,  alas, 
Alas,  too  soonl 

Come,  let  us  love  today, 
It  cannot  last  alway — 

Life's  precious  boon. 

List,  how  the  sweet  birds  sing, 
Then  flit  on  hurried  wing 

Far  from  the  snow. 

O,  let  us  crown  Love's  hour 
With  every  fragrant  flower, 

Before  we  go. 

The  flaming  stars  of  night, 
On  lustrous  wings  of  light, 

With  morn  are  fled. 

Then,  haste  thy  tardy  feet 
Through  cooling  grasses,  sweet, 
Ere  love  is  dead ! 

75 


GOLDEN    LARK 


BAAL  JOHN 

Thy  words  my  fever  chills. 
Forgive,  dear  heart,  the  ills 

Grief  magnifies. 

Thy  voice  bespeaks  new  joys 
Far  from  the  lap  of  noise — 

Come,  come,  time  flies! 


BAAL  JOHN  AND  ASHTORETH  (Sing  together?) 

A  bird  of  strange  delight, 
With  plumage  wondrous  bright, 
Before  us  wings. 

For  Love  she  waited  long, 
Her  one  wild-valiant  song- 


She  sings — she  sings ! 

As  the  scene  fades )  soft  strains  from  the  harp 
are  heard. 


77 


CHI.LDREN    OF    THE    STARS 

TABLEAU  Six 

Scene:  The  heavenly  spheres.  GOLDEN  LARK, 
having  fulfilled  her  life  in  the  spiritual  heavens 
longs  to  return  to  earth.  Her  first  complaint 
is  heard  when  she  calls  to  the  night-bird. 

GOLDEN   LARK 

O  come  to  me,  sweet  bird  of  night, 
And  sing  the  song  thou  lovest  best. 
Come,  come  on  pinions  snowy  white — 
And  fill  my  heart  with  blissful  rest! 

O  sing  of  far-off  winsome  things, 
Of  happy  mortals  far  away. 
And  sing  of  blossom-scented  springs, 
Till  dawn  drops  on  the  cheek  of  day. 

O  let  thy  golden-luted  strain 
The  door  of  memory  unbar. 
Mayhap  one  note  of  thy  refrain 
Will  waft  to  earth — from  my  lone  star. 

79 


GOLDEN    LARK 


0  sing,  till  slumber  lies  on  seas 
Of  half- forgot  ten  worlds  of  light. 
Sing,  sing  caressing  melodies — 

Sweet  bird  of  night — sweet  bird  of  night ! 

ELFIN  SYLPH 

What  restless  thought  betrays  thy  dream? 
What  voiceless  cry  within  thy  heart? 
O,  canst  thou  not  forget  the  gleam 
Of  tearful  earth — the  mortal  part? 

GOLDEN  LARK 

Draw  near,  and  I  will  answer  thee: 

In  this  calm  life  I  long  for  winds 

That   sweep  the   snowflaked    mountains, 

free — 
And  all  the  force  that  storm  unbinds. 

1  long  to  take  my  fretful  soul 
To  lands  of  yesterday. 

I  long  to  go  where  waters  roll 
On  sands  of  coldest  gray. 

81 


GOLDEN    LARK 


I  long  to  feel  their  seething  foam, 
In  bitter  rifts  and  sweet. 
Yield  unto  me  the  sea-weed  loam, 
Green-dripping  at  my  feet. 

I  long  to  hear  the  wild  sea  bird, 

Responsive  to  his  mate, 

Scream    fiercely    through    the    dins    that 

stirred 
The  whirlwinds  of  his  fate. 


ELFIN  SYLPH 

O,  wouldst  thou  see  the  flapping  thing 
In  terror  pass  thee  by? 
Then,  floating  back  on  level  wing, 
To  come  with  searching  eye — 

And  hang  with  calm,  unaltered  mien, 
Like  phantom  steely-white, 
Above  thee  there,  with  naught  between 
But  shades  of  coming  night  ? 

83 


GOLDEN    LARK 


GOLDEN  LARK 

Ah,  yes,  I'd  see  him  wing  once  more 
From  beating — tossing  sea; 
Then,  spent  like  me,  on  lone  bleak  shore, 
Learn  God's  great  harmony. 

ELFIN  SYLPH 

Whence  came  the  power  of  mortal  clods 
To  teach  thee  such  a  sad  complain? 
Thy  jeweled  scepter  from  the  gods 
Is  dimmed  with  tears,  as  with  a  stain. 

GOLDEN  LARK 

Do  not  contest  me  overmuch, 

But  rather  counsel  wise  content; 

For  Love  withdraws  his  gentlest  touch, 

When  eyes  grow  blind  to  purpose  meant. 

ELFIN  SYLPH 

Why  canst  thou  not  be  reconciled 
In  this  rare  garden  of  God's  bloom  ? 
Wouldst  live  again  a  bird  or  child 
In  Error's  land  of  doubts  and  gloom  ? 

85 


GOLDEN    LARK 


GOLDEN  LARK 

I  heard  a  flute  sing  in  the  night, 

An  old-time  sweetest  tune. 

Then  soft  as  clouds  that  drift  from  sight, 

When  evening  curtains  out  the  light, 

It  passed  like  scented  June. 

Yet  think  that  I  can  e're  forget 
The  music  of  that  strain  ? 
From  out  my  dreams,  dim  eyes  are  wet 
For  very  joy  our  souls  had  met, 
Though  love  was  born  in  vain. 

ELFIN  SYLPH 

Ah,  so?     Then  falter  not  thy  word. 
Take  from  thy  heart  the  sigh, 
And  sing  thy  wish  like  happy  bird 
In  forest  deep,  where  naught  is  heard 
Of  Melancholy's  cry. 

GOLDEN  LARK 

I  wish  I  were  a  babe,  my  sweet, 

That  I  might  dream  upon  Love's  heart. 

87 


GOLDEN    LARK 


And  in  my  slumber  there  complete 
My  dreaming — Love's  immortal  part. 

ELFIN  SYLPH 

Some  day  the  dream  of  all  thy  dreams. 
Sweet  as  the  sun's  loose  blossomings- 
Will  wake  to  life  on  rainbow  gleams, 
And  fill  new  spheres  with  rapturings. 

GOLDEN  LARK  AND  ELFIN  SYLPH  (Sing together?) 

Look,  look !    How  fair  morn  grows  apace! 
I  hear  a  distant  bridal  bell — 
The  trillioned  suns  all  glooms  efface — 
Farewell,  God's  sweet !      A  glad  farewell ! 

GOLDEN    LARK    in  the  form  of  a  babe,  floats 
away  on  clouds  back  to  earth. 


89 


REALIZATION 

TABLEAU  SEVEN 

Scene  First.  A  brilliant  church  scene. 
The  marriage  of  ASHTORETH  and  BAAL  JOHN 
has  just  been  solemnized.  As  they  leave  the 
church  deep  organ  tones  are  heard.  Through 
the  cathedral  gates  the  Spirits  of  Prophecy 
appear.  When  the  music  becomes  a  whispered 
cadence  the  spirits  sing  their  prophecy. 

CHORUS  OF  SPIRITS 

The  air  is  filled  with  subtle  sweet — 
Like  fragrant  breath  from  Alpine  snows. 
The  lyric  muse  attunes  complete 
Love's  melody.      True  souls  now  meet 
Beneath  the  crown  of  bridal  rose. 

To  Jove's  high  throne  we  speed  our  way. 
We'll  rest  upon  his  mighty  wing. 
Until  that  blithe — that  treasure-day,  ' 

91 


GOLDEN    LARK 


And  then  we'll  come  from  out  the  gray — 
When  all  is  still,  and  sing,  and  sing! 

(SPIRITS  rise  higher  and  higher  from  circle  to 
circle^ 

Scene  Second.  The  homecoming  of  ASHTORETH 
and  BAAL  JOHN.  The  mystery  of  night  is 
about  them.  The  bridal  chamber  is  beautiful 
in  a  shimmer  of  yellow  light.  BAAL  JOHN 
draws  ASHTORETH  to  his  heart  and  pledges  the 
devotion  of  his  soul. 

BAAL  JOHN 

At  last  thou  art  my  lovely  bride! 
Thy  brow  is  fair  with  bridal  flowers. 
Thy  starry  eyes  seem  glorified, 
Whilst  here  I  stand  by  thy  dear  side 
In  this  earth-paradise  of  ours. 

ASHTORETH  AND  BAAL  JOHN  (Sing  together^ 

Dear  soul  of  mine,  Love's  vow  is  true, 
Pledged  'neath  the  altar's  holy  glow. 

93 


GOLDEN    LARK 


The  heritage  of  bliss  in  view 

With  thee,  new  joys,  new  hopes  imbue — 

And  magnify  the  truths  we  know. 

Curtain. 

Scene  "Third.  The  House  of  Love.  ASH- 
TOR  ETH  is  standing  by  an  open  window  listen 
ing  to  the  drowsy  hum  of  the  insect  world. 
BAAL  JOHN  enters.  ASHTORETH  turns  to  greet 
him  and  beckons  him  to  come  to  the  window. 
Pointing  to  the  blossoming  garden^  ASHTORETH 
directs  his  attention  to  the  beauty  of  the  scene 
and  then  tells  him  of  her  vision  of  the  new 
habitant  of  the  House  of  Love. 

ASHTORETH 

O  dream  of  light !      I  heard  a  cry — 
A  baby  lisp,  like  cooing  dove. 
Sweet  Golden  Lark  slipt  through  the  sky 
With  outstretched  hand  to  hush  my  sigh — 
To  live  again  our  child  of  love. 

95 


GOLDEN    LARK 


BAAL  JOHN 

In  truth,  dear  wife,  the  sacred  brim 
Of  our  communion  cup  runs  o'er. 
On  thy  fair  bosom  sorrows  dim — 
Forgotten  in  thy  thoughts  of  Him. 
God  smiles  upon  thee  more  and  more, 


ASHTORETH 

Soft  words,  my  love,  commend  repose; 
They  lift  my  heart  to  heights  more  blest. 
But  lend  thine  ear  to  my  request, 
And  dream  no  more,  like  this  white  rose 
That  tranquil  lies  upon  my  breast. 

Forget  the  stars,  the  moon,  the  sun, 
And  view  my  vision  of  the  night: 


j  +—> 

The  powers  supreme,  when  day  was  done, 

Came  singing  earthward;   every  one 
Spread  wide  a  path  of  mystic  light. 

(Vision  proves  to  ASHTORETH  that  her  child  is 
the  reincarnated  GOLDEN  LARK.) 

97 


GOLDEN    LARK 


And  as  I  looked  the  vision  grew, 
Illumed  against  a  wondrous  sky; 
It  seemed  the  hallow'd  presence  drew 
A  babe  from  out  the  purest  blue — 
To  still  my  mother-heart  its  cry. 

There  was  a  noise  of  wings  'mid  bloom. 
Like  fairies  brushed  against  the  trees; 
They  burst  the  regal-rainbow  loom 
Of  varied  colours — then  made  room 
For  warbling  bird  upon  the  breeze. 

And  to  our  bridal  chamber  came 

The  heav'nly  throng  as  to  a  feast. 

They  shut  the  door.     They  called  my  name ! 

A  sacred  incense  seemed  to  flame 

As  dawn  upon  the  jasper  east. 

BAAL  JOHN 

Comes  after  pain  a  lulling  calm, 
Comes  after  night  the  fairest  morn. 
Out  of  God's  melody  the  psalm 
Proclaims  new  joys  of  richest  balm, 
When  unto  thee  Love's  child  is  born ! 

99 


GOLDEN    LARK 


There  is  no  time,  beloved  wife. 
God  is  eternal,  light  or  dark! 
The  majesty  of  song  is  rife — 
There  is  no  death!      All  life  is  life— 
She'll  live  again — Our  Golden  Lark. 

BAAL  JOHN  AND  ASHTORETH 
A  glory  lingers  on  the  earth 
Christ's  face  is  shining  through  the  dark. 
His  Love  will  broaden  mortal  girth 
In  that  white  hour  of  her  dear  birth — 
Reincarnated  Golden  Lark! 

Scene  Fourth.  The  sacred  portals.  With 
great  solemnity  ASHTORETH  hands  the  child. 
Golden  Lark,  to  BAAL  JOHN.  They  kneel 
before  a  shrine  in  prayer.  Once  more  the 
Spirits  appear  and  chant  a  benediction. 

CHORUS  OF  SPIRITS 

Before  a  shrine  in  fervent  prayer, 
Like  saints  they  kneel  this  holy  night. 
O  blessed  Love!      They  know  thee  fair. 

101 


GOLDEN    LARK 


Fair,  young  and  strong,  absolved  of  care — 
Lead  thou  them  on  through  paths  of  light. 

Toward  Paradise  direct  them  now, 
Forever  more  with  saints  to  dwell. 
O  God  Eternal,  seal  Love's  vow. 
Before  thy  majesty  we  bow — 
We  shall  return  no  more.     Farewell  1 1 

Curtain. 


103 


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